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Grass-Fed Goodness

What makes our meat different from the beef and lamb you can buy in most stores? The answer is simple: grass.

Our cattle and sheep are grass-fed and finished, which means they get their nutrients primarily from the forage that grows naturally in our fields. We say "primarily" because California's severe drought has shortened the growing season in our coastal hills and necessitated supplementation of their diet with some alfalfa (a type of legume) that is grown off the ranch. Even with the alfalfa, our all of our animals are still 100% grass fed and grass finished.

Our animals are raised free range from birth to harvest, and graze at will on an intense schedule of pasture rotations that promotes the sustainable health of our land and stock. The animals fatten slowly and steadily on this natural diet, which is healthier for them and the environment.

This practice means a longer turn-around time to harvest our animals, but it is aligned with our overall philosophy and values. It also means our meat costs a bit more to produce, but we know our customers understand this and continue to support our business.

What's the benefit of eating grass-fed and finished meats? Research shows that the meat of pastured animals has less overall fat, and contains more heart-healthy "good fats" like omega-3 and conjugated linoleic fatty acids. Less total fat means fewer calories too. In fact, one study estimates switching to leaner, grass-fed beef saves about 16,642 calories per person over the course of a year! It is also richer in antioxidant vitamins B and E as well as beta carotene.

For all these reasons and more, choosing a diet that includes grass-fed meats is both healthy and ecologically conscious. Eat up!